Kori's POV
"Kori?"
I twitched a little at the sound of the knock against the door. "Who is it?" I asked, my voice a little shaky. But then again that comes with the side effects.
"Its Kom," my sister said.
I let out a sigh before sitting up and clearing my throat. "Come in."
My sister came in with a bowl in one hand and two spoons in the other. She gave me a small smile. "Hey."
"Hey," I said back.
She lifted the bowl up. "Ice-cream?"
My sister knows me too well. I patted the spot next to me before giving her a small smile.
She closed the door behind her before making her way to me. "Does it hurt?" she asked.
"You have gotten them before. You should know," my reply came. I grabbed a spoon and took a bite out of the ice-cream, my eyes closing in delight.
"You know?" asked my sister. I opened my eyes to see her. "If you'd just keep your mouth shut then you wouldn't be getting them. You know he hates it when someone talks back to him."
I crossed my eyebrows. "It does not make it right." My mind wandered to so many different places.
"Kori," my sister whispered.
I turned to look at her. "Why are you still here? You are now an adult. You can leave anytime and yet you do not. Why? If I were you then I would have been long gone by now."
Kom let out a laugh. "And leave Ry and you here? Alone?" She reached up to remove my glasses. "You and I, we used to have problems but ever since mom died I've realized something."
I tilted my head. "What is that?"
"I need you and you need me," she said. She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "We'll get through this somehow. I don't know how yet but I'll figure out a way to get you and Ry out of this house with me."
I smiled and let out a giggle when Kom tickled my stomach. "Okay, okay! The ice-cream is melting," I said.
Richard's POV
"Master Dick?" called Alfred from outside my door.
I lifted my head from my math text book. "What is it Al?" I asked.
"Master Wallace is on line two," he said.
I pushed my chair back to stand up and walked over to the phone. I gave my thanks to Al before picking it up. "What is it Wally?"
"Dude we're all at Vic's house," he told me. It sounded like he was eating something. "Where are you?"
"I'm at home," I told him. "You did call the Manor. You know that right?"
Wally let out a laugh. "Well you coming or what?"
I glanced over at my math text book. I really shouldn't considering I have a test I need to pass tomorrow. "Um...I don't know."
"The entire football team is here and so is the cheer squad," Wally said. He cleared his throat. "And I heard Kitten has been looking for you."
I let out a shiver. "I go out with her one time, one time, and she's all obsessed with me."
"You're Dick Grayson," Wally pointed out. "Now c'mon and get over here. We're going to be playing beer pong soon."
I glanced back over to my math text book. A little break won't hurt anyone. "Alright. But only for an hour."
I didn't quite stay true to my word. The next morning I woke up with regret and a headache. An hour? Sixty minutes? I stayed for five hours and didn't come home until midnight. Not to mention I was also drunk. I am so going to kill Wally for even calling me. I mean I have a math test I haven't even studied for and if I don't pass then I'm on the verge of getting kicked off the team. Bruce will so kill me if that happens.
Kori's POV
I opened the door to the green house to find it empty. Mr. Forman must be doing something downstairs. I made my way inside and took a seat on the couch. I am not in study class right now but rather I have lunch. After Kitten's little dramatic episode yesterday, I decided it is best for me to eat up here from now on. I would not want to smell like milk the rest of the year.
I took off my backpack and placed it in my lap so I could take out my lunch. My brown paper bag made crumbling noises as I took out my wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I do not mind sitting up here all alone. It is better than being downstairs with those monsters. How can someone be so mean to you? They do not even know me and yet they judge me? I shook my head from my thoughts and turned to my backpack again. I might as well just make use of my time and review for my math test.
Richard's POV
I walked into math class early just so I could get a seat in the way back. I wrote a cheat sheet during lunch and it's my only hope to pass this test. I walked over to the back of the classroom and took a seat on one of the ends.
My teacher walked in and paused when she noticed me. "Mr. Grayson? What a surprise to see you here early."
I gave her a smile. "Just wanted to review before the test." I lifted up my textbook.
She narrowed her eyes at me before nodding. "Then I expect you to get a C or above on this. I wouldn't want to be the one to fail one of the star athletes."
"No you defiantly don't want to do that," I said nervous.
She gave me another nod before walking over to her desk.
I looked over some of the textbook notes and I already knew then and there that I'm not going to do good on this test. I might as well just hang myself now before I get home.
"Dick Grayson?"
I looked up to see a small boy with red hair, freckles, and green eyes.
"I don't usually see you on this side of the classroom," he continued. He held out his hand. "You've probably heard some pretty cool things about me. Garfield Logan."
I raised my eyebrows at the name and tried so hard not to laugh in his face. "Uh...nice to meet you...Garfield." I shook his hand.
He eyed my textbook. "You ready for this test? Because I sure am." He raised his voice. He took off his backpack and took a seat next to me. "Not really," he whispered. He leaned in towards me. "I usually just let Kori take my test for me."
"Who?" I asked.
He seemed to be looking around. "Kori, my best friend. She should have been here before me. I wonder what is taking her so long."
The bell let out a ring and my heart started pounding. The class started to pile up and I found myself skimming through pages and notes. I am so dead. I am so dead.
"Alright class take everything off of your desk and take out a pencil. You have until the end of the day to finish your test. Eyes on your own paper and raise your hand if you have a question. If I suspect any cheating I will proudly tear your test in half in front of the whole class. Do I make myself clear?"
I looked up to see her standing above me. She placed the test faced down on my desk before walking away.
Fifteen minutes into the test and I've managed to answer three problems. Not too bad right? I mean I've only got eighteen more problems to go. I laughed in my head. I can see my future already. Getting kicked off the team, having to go through summer school, being forty with a job at a fast food joint, oh and that's if Bruce hasn't killed me yet.
"Well done Miss Anders," my teacher's voice sounded. I looked up to see her talking to some girl. "A perfect score."
I cursed at her. Probably someone with no life who studies her butt off all day in hopes of becoming a future astronaut or something. Like we need functions and algebraic expressions in the future? I mean who even remembers this stuff?
"Twenty more minutes class!"
Fuck! Okay shutup Dick! Focus on your test. Just try and bullshit the answers. I can get some credit right? She won't fail me. I'm Dick Grayson, the richest kid in the city. I got it! I'll just slip her a hundred dollar bill and everything will be solved. Yea. A hundred dollars. You can never go wrong with Mr. Franklin.
I heard the class phone ring and looked up to see my teacher walking over to it. She had her back turned towards us. I cheered silently before slyly slipping the cheat sheet from under my shirt. This will so work. I'm so drinking if I pass this test.
"Mr. Grayson!"
Kori's POV
I looked up at the sound of my teacher's angry voice. Richard Grayson is currently being yelled at for cheating. I silently laughed to myself. I do not understand why it is so hard to study? I study the night before the test and I do great on my tests.
"But you can't do that!" Richard yelled standing up. "I'm Dick Grayson."
"That is it!" my teacher yelled. "To the principle's office right now!"
The whole class watched the scene as Dick Grayson's face fell. He grabbed his things and walked out of the classroom. I wonder if Bruce Wayne can get him out of this one?
"And that class is a perfect example of an unprepared student."
Richard's POV
"Listen Mr. Grayson," Mr. Wilson said sternly. I looked up at him. "I'll make you a deal."
I raised my eyebrow at him and crossed my arms. "Okay Mr. Wilson. I've been sitting here for the last ten minutes being lectured. Let's see what you've got.
"The teachers need to send in their final grades for this quarter by Sunday, which means you can't fix your grade and it means you fail for the quarter," he said, rubbing his chin. "I'll make you a deal. I won't have them kick you off the team for the next quarter as long as you improve your grades to at least a C."
Get a C next quarter? Can I really do that? "Um I don't think I can do that. I mean how do I get a C?"
"Word of advice," Mr. Wilson said leaning forward. "Why don't you try the method of studying?"
My face fell. He did not just say that. "Are you-
"Okay why don't you hire a tutor then?" he asked.
That caught my attention. I've never worked with a tutor before. "A tutor? That's actually a good idea," I said.
Mr. Wilson gave me a nod. "With money like your father's I bet he can hire you the best tutor in Gotham." He grilled me over. "The bell rang a few minutes ago. You are dismissed."
I gave him my thanks before grabbing my things and heading out. I made a quick trip to my locker to grab my jacket and books before heading out to the parking lot. Tim was already waiting for me as well as the others.
"Diner?" asked Wally.
I gave him a confused look. "Weren't we there just yesterday?" I asked.
Wally gave me a nod. "Yea but Jen wasn't there. C'mon I really want to get her number."
I let out a laugh. "So go by yourself."
"Did you get in a lot of trouble?" he asked me.
I gave him a grin. "Dick Grayson doesn't do trouble."
Wally grinned back. "Dude!"
"Yo!" Vic called from his car. "We heading out or what?"
I gave him a thumbs up and he nodded. "Alright guys get in the car."
Kori's POV
I looked up at the sign, Gordy's Grub, and then back at the flyer. Why am I here you ask? I've been looking for a job for quite some time now and I have finally found the time to actually set up a meeting. Kom suggested that I get a job to earn some money and also get out of the house.
I pushed the door open and the bells jingled on the side. I walked up to the bar and waited.
A brunette teen walked up to me with a coffee pot in one hand. "Hey how can I help you?"
"I am looking for the owner or whoever runs the place," I timidly said.
The brunette looked me over with a raised eyebrow.
I lifted up the flyer. "I...uh...saw that you guys needed some help."
"You're looking for the waitress position?" she asked.
I gave her a small nod. "Yes please. Is there someone I can talk to?"
She looked back into my eyes before giving me a smile. "Take a seat at the end of the bar over there and I'll go get Marilyn. I'm Donna by the way." She turned on her heel and walked over to a booth.
I walked over to the end of the bar where no one was around. I took a seat on one of the stools and twisted around. I could not help myself. These seats always amused me.
"Hello there!"
I stopped twisting and turned to a woman around fifty years old with brown hair and white peeking from the roots. "Hello," I replied.
"I'm Marilyn. Are you here for the waitress position?" she asked me taking a seat on the stool next to me.
I gave her a nod. "Yes I am. I have a resumé if you need it." I opened my satchel and took out my folder. "I do not have any prior work experience other than babysitting my little brother so I just put some contact information and my education level." I passed her my resumé.
I watched as she read over everything and gave me little nods.
"It says here you can cook and bake?" she asked.
I gave her nod. "Yes ma'am. I can cook a little but I mostly bake. I can bake just about anything from scratch. My mother used to say that I made the best pies she ever tasted."
She glanced over my resumé once more before placing it down beside her. "Well Miss Korina Anders, I'm short one waitress and this is the best resumé I've seen so far." She stood up.
I raised my eyebrows. "This means?" I asked.
She started to walk away. "You can work Tuesdays and Wednesdays from five to ten and then Sundays from six in the morning to two in the afternoon."
I got the job? I got the job! "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Marilyn turned to me. "Wait here while I get you a uniform." She inspected me with her eyes. "Thin one aren't we?" she asked before disappearing out back. Moments later she came back with two dresses, a creme colored one and a pastel purple. "You can wear the creme and purple dress. All the other girls have their own colors too. It kind of gives you each your own uniqueness."
I raised my eyebrow and looked down at my body. Unique? There is nothing unique about myself.
"I'll see you Sunday then?" she asked.
I gave her a nod. "Thank you."
I smiled and made my turn to leave. Suddenly, I bumped into something or rather someone and I fell to the floor. My glasses flew off of my face and I found myself on all fours.
"I'm so sorry dude," a voice said.
I cannot see without my glasses so I felt the ground for them.
"Uh...let me help you," said the voice.
I lifted my head and I came face to face with someone. My vision was blurry but I can make out the dark hair and white face. He was staring at me for a while and I did not know why.
"My glasses?" I asked quietly.
Richard's POV
She has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen in my life. I've never seen anything so green and beautiful before. I looked into her eyes, mesmerized by them, and I was so glad she couldn't see me.
"My glasses?" she asked again, her voice barley even heard.
I picked her glasses up from off the floor and placed them on her. Her eyes blinked a few times and she adjusted her glasses before focusing on me. She moved back a little and kind of looked surprised.
I cleared my throat. "Sorry about that."
She gave me a tiny smile before moving to get up.
I stood up and dusted myself up before helping her up. "Again I'm really sorry," I said.
She looked at me and our eyes connected once more. She has the most beautiful eyes. Have I said that already?
"What?" she asked.
I shook my head. "Nothing."
"Yo Dick!"
I turned over to the table the group was sitting at and waved to them. "I'll be there in a minute guys!" Just let me talk to...hey where did she go? When I turned back to her she was gone.
Oh well. I'll probably never see her again anyways. I made my way over to the large booth in the corner and slid in next to Rachel. I grabbed a menu and looked over it once before placing it down.
Mr. Wilson said to hire a tutor. Hm? If I tell the guys that I need to hire a tutor they're going to think I'm some kind of idiot. Not to mention that Bruce will kill me. I'm going to have to hire someone who won't tell anyone. Someone who is quiet and can keep a secret. Someone who has the patience to actually teach me. I know I can be stubborn and impatient sometimes.
"Dick?" asked Rachel.
I turned to Rachel. "What?"
"Donna is asking for your order," she said.
I looked around to see everyone staring at me. I let out a chuckle. "Sorry, I was thinking." I turned to Donna and smiled. "Just get me a burger."
"Hey Jen!" called Wally and waved.
Jen walked over to our table and rolled her eyes. "Yes Wallace? What could it possibly be this time?"
Wally leaned back and smirked. "I was wondering if you'd want to go to the homecoming dance with me next Friday?"
Jen raised an eyebrow and traded glances with Donna.
"Hey I'm going with Dick so maybe you should come?" Donna asked.
I raised my eyebrows. "You're going with Dick?"
Donna let out a giggle and looked at me. "Yes I'm going with you. Your high school always throws the best dances and I've never been to one so you're taking me."
Donna has always been like a little sister to me. We met when I first moved in with Bruce, her aunt was dating him. Even though it didn't work out with Bruce and Diana, I still kept in touch with her. We went to Elementary School together but Donna went to an all girl's high school when we grew older. Jen also goes to high school with her. She started attending school with Donna this year so we're all still new to her and vise versa. Wally seems to have a liking to her.
"So you'll go?" asked Wally.
Jen gave him a nod. "Okay I'll go with you." She wrote something down on her notepad before ripping the paper and tossing it to Wally. "Call me?"
He had a dopey look on his face. "You know it baby."
Hope everyone had a great holiday!
Just to let you all know I plan on updating at least twice a week. I've been thinking Wednesdays and Sundays but depending on my schedule it might change. Love you guys and feedback is always great!